Global News - February 2008

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South Africa to begin elephant cull

Tue 26 February 2008 13:05 UK — Africa,Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos

South African authorities have announced the imminent end of the country's moratorium on the culling of wild elephants, with officials claiming that the animal's population in some areas is unsustainable.

Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk revealed plans for a major overhaul of the country's elephant policy, with the killing of elephants having been prohibited since 1995.

"Culling will only be allowed as a last option and under very strict conditions," he claimed. "Our simple reality is that the elephant population density has risen so much in some southern African countries that there is concern about impacts on the landscape, the viability of other species and the livelihoods and safety of people living within elephant ranges."

However, the proposals drew instant criticism, with South African conservationist Michele Pickover telling the Guardian that the plans for a cull lacked scientific basis.

"This is a sad day for the country," she said. "Elephants are being treated as commodities by the government and game managers."

Alan Knight, chief executive of International Animal Rescue, said: "It will be a tragedy if no alternative solution can be found that will spare the lives of these intelligent, majestic animals.

"Every last effort must be made by the South African government to preserve them and protect them from being slaughtered."

According to government figures, South African's elephant population has increased from 8,000 in 1995 to roughly 20,000 last year.

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